U.S. Legal Fellow

EarthRights International•Washington, DC

1d•Remote

About The Position

EarthRights International is seeking to sponsor a third-year U.S. law student or recent U.S. law school graduate for an externally funded Justice Catalyst fellowship starting in September 2027, contingent on receiving Justice Catalyst funding. The Fellow will support EarthRights’ human rights and environmental corporate accountability work through the U.S. legal system. EarthRights will work with the applicant to develop a project application that aligns the applicant’s interests with the needs of the U.S. Legal Team. The Fellow will be a fully integrated member of the U.S. Legal Team, gain case experience, and receive substantive mentorship. The position is remote, with work permitted from Connecticut, Maryland, New York, Virginia, Washington, or Washington, DC. The position is represented by SEIU Local 500.

Requirements

Currently be a U.S. law student or have graduated from a U.S. law school within the past two years.
Be a 3L or recent U.S. law school graduate.
Be authorized to work in the United States.
Demonstrate commitment to using the U.S. legal system to serve communities experiencing human or environmental harms.
Have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in teams.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with impacted communities, Indigenous communities, or grassroots organizations.
Background or experience in international human rights, environmental law, civil rights law, corporate accountability, or Indigenous peoples’ rights.
Experience in regional studies, development, environmental sciences, or other fields related to human rights, environmental protection, and Indigenous peoples.
Experience or interest in U.S. litigation.
Strong research and writing skills.
Foreign language skills.

Responsibilities

Conduct legal research on U.S. law.
Prepare legal memorandums, court briefs, and filings for U.S. and other legal systems.
Collaborate with communities, partner NGOs, and co-counsel to develop legal and advocacy strategies.
Research legal strategies to defend the human and environmental rights of frontline communities.
Communicate EarthRights’ work through web content and media contacts.
Collaborate on EarthRights publications.
If the fellowship is longer than one year, participate in hiring and supervising interns starting in the second year.

Benefits

20 days of vacation and 15 sick days per year.
13 paid federal holidays; office closed from December 24 through January 1.
$200 home office stipend.
Generous employer non-elective retirement contribution.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA).
Employee wellness benefits and transportation benefits.
18 weeks of paid maternity/paternity leave for eligible employees.
Caregiving benefits of $2,000 annually.
Generous professional development budget.
Remote work from Connecticut, Maryland, New York, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, DC.
Casual work environment.